Decision Report 201807008

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment provided to his child (Child A) during an admission at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital. Child A had a life-limiting condition, including heart and lung problems which made them susceptible to infection. Mr C complained that the hospital did not monitor Child A's blood gases frequently enough which led to an unreasonable delay in them being intubated. Mr C also complained that the hospital failed to accept a referral to the respiratory department. The board confirmed that they performed monitoring of Child A's blood gases when it was clinically indicated. They also confirmed they could not find any evidence of a formal written referral to the respiratory department.

We took independent advice from a consultant paediatrician (consultant specialising in the medical care of children). We found that appropriate monitoring of Child A's blood gases was performed, particularly for in a high-dependency unit setting. We did not find any evidence that the board failed to act upon a referral to respiratory. We did not uphold Mr C's complaints.